Gentlemen:  
I have been absent form the list for some time as I have been deep into a
movie and little time to read emails.  So to catch up, I'll post some replys
now to various topics:

CONGRATULATIONS to Joe Bartel.   I think that a business minded person is
exactly what Lancair's Kit Division needs.   Better yet an Attorney will
realize that things overlooked in the past could spell expensive litigation
in the future.  Examples are:

a) Not recommedning very early on a retracting shoulder harness when everyone
knows you can't reach the fuel selector wearing the "factory " harness.  This
was corrected by Lancair but only after one of us died whose life could have
been possibly saved if he had a shoulder harness on.  (See previous posts of
N424E Crash)

b) Knowing that air bag units are available on passenger aircraft and yet
none are available for our planes.  Face it guys, a sudden stop at 75 Kts is
gonna be dangerous no matter what.   I understand Lancair is FINALLY looking
into the AMSAFE air bags but in the case of two crashes I know of, these
devices were available and yet never adapted to the Lancair line.  
Why....maybe the time it took to work out a deal would take them away from
inventing two seat mexican airforce trainers?

c) If you check my post from 8 months ago you'll see some info I received
from TKS saying that they had a dialog years ago with Lancair about this
de-ice system for the IVP but Lancair was un-willing to help with the R&D
costs.  Again developing new ideas were placed in front of refining existing
ones.   I just received an email from Lancair stating that they were now
offering a TKS system.   This came just days after Mr. Bartel took control of
the company.   I would like to think we may have him to thank for this
development and that this will set the tone for improvements to come.

For me I think some fresh blood, some new ideas and some real concerns for
safety are in order.  Since the new owner flys a Lancair himself and was a
former customer, I know we all expect things to improve.

Finally, Joe look at the people you now employ carefully.  Sort out the
idiots and send them to work at Burger King.  Hang onto the gems.  Don't be
fooled by a big smile and a lot of telling you what you want to hear.  CROSS
EXAMINE them about what they do and how they have helped the company and its
customers.   While you're at it, my humble suggestion is you give Vern in the
parts dept. a gold watch.  He has done more for customer relations in my
experience than anyone.  promote him, have him set the standard along with
those in Bend who are truly devoted to the cause and to you and your companys
success.   I don't know that many of your employees but the people behind the
company ARE the company.

Good luck Joe and we are all pulling for you.

Dave Riggs